Archaeologists in Arizona have uncovered what is believed to be the oldest firearm ever found in the continental United States—a bronze cannon, or wall gun, linked to the expedition of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado in the mid-16th century.
This significant discovery was detailed in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology on November 21, 2024.
The firearm, measuring 42 inches in length and weighing 40 pounds, was unearthed at the settlement of San Geronimo III near the Santa Cruz River.
It was discovered on the floor of a Spanish stone-and-adobe structure during excavations in 2020.
Researchers determined its age using radiocarbon dating and optically stimulated luminescence, tying it to the 1539–1542 Coronado expedition. This marks the first firearm conclusively connected to Coronado’s quest for the fabled cities of treasure in the American Southwest.
Coronado’s expedition, though historically significant, failed to locate mythical riches and instead encountered Indigenous settlements and landmarks such as the Grand Canyon.
The simplicity of the firearm’s design suggests it was likely cast in Mexico or the Caribbean before being transported to what is now Arizona.
This rare find provides unique insights into the armament and logistical aspects of early Spanish exploration in North America.
